2008 NHL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

Much like every season, the playoffs in the NHL are an exciting time of year that always features multiple upsets. Come playoff time, the seeds are thrown out and the Stanley Cup is won by the hottest goaltender and team. Think back, over the last few years, of some teams that made the Stanley Cup despite being a low seed...............Calgary, Tampa Bay, Edmonton and Anaheim.
It's likely that this year's top seeds, Detroit and Montreal, especially the latter, will be knocked out before the Stanley Cup Final. There are numerous reasons, but most importantly, the winner always rides a hot goaltender.........think Khabibulin, Giguere, Emery and Ward. I expect to see a great deal of 2-1, 1-0 games again this playoff season. I could see the 3 series out West going 7 games save for the Red Wings/Preds.The lower seeds are usually the hotter team as they won their playoff spot by winning key games late while the high seeds had most thinks clinched well in advance. Though injuries, weak home ice advantage, road records and styles alter playoff scenarios, it appears the goaltending will be the key to this year's Stanley Cup winner. Here are my brief predictions.
EAST
1. Montreal vs. 8. Boston
As hard as this is to imagine, the Habs should win in 6 games. But, if Thomas stays hot, Price gets nervous and Bergeron returns for the series (I'm thinking Game 3) the black and gold can win the series in 6 or 7. Most importantly, the Bruins must stay out of the sin-bin. If they do, and fortunately the whistles are often held back in the post season, the Bruins can win. Go Bruins!
2. Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa
Ottawa enters the playoffs in a rut, but the Pens are not so dominate either. But revenge over last season will come into play, and the Pens are simply a better all-around team at this point in time. Though none of the goaltenders are shut-down figures, it will be especially hard for Gerber to be dominate against Sid, Malkin and Hossa. Fleury will get the playing time over Conklin, but this series was over before it began. Pens in 5 games.
3. Washington vs. Philadelphia
Carolina lost it in the end and I feel awful for them. Not cool, eh? But I was at a Bruins game early in the year and they beat us, so maybe I didn't feel that bad. But the Caps embarrassed my Bruins in their one victory over the black and gold this year, so it's hard to root for them. But then the Flyers dirty team knocked Bergeron and Alberts out for the season so it's even harder to root for them. In any case, it will be a great series. Too hot teams with two hot goalies, But Washington is riding higher and they have you-know-who. This is a series that will go 6 or 7, but I doubt even a streaking Biron can hold off the non-stop Caps. Ovechkin and Co. will do wonders and Huet should handle the inconsistent Flyers. Caps move on.
4. New Jersey vs. 5. NYR
It's hard to count out Brodeur, clearly the best ever goalie that the league has seen. But combining the Rangers overbearing talent, their great record against NJ as of late and Lundqvist's probability of shutting out punch-less teams like the Devils will be enough reason to pick the NYR in 6 games.


WEST
1. Detroit vs. 8.Nashville
No matter the goaltender, Detroit should cruise. Nashville will be lucky to win one game. They will, but that it'll be it. Detroit can score at will and have 2 excellent goaltenders. There's not much more to write than that.
2. San Jose vs. 7. Calgary
Great matchup here. Great battle of goaltenders with both Nabokov and Kiprusoff. Though the Sharks should win in 5, this thing will go seven with the Sharks moving on. Both teams should win each of their games at home giving San Jose the 4-3 series win.
3. Minnesota vs. 6. Colorado
Though the Avs are most analysts pick, I don't see it happening. Backstrom should outduel Theodore, but it will go 6 or 7 games. Another great matchup that is intriguing in all aspects.
I know the Avs are playing well, but I simply don't buy them. Minnesota won their division for a reason and should move on to the next round.
4. Anaheim vs. 5. Dallas
Both clubs are talented and this is another difficult series to foreshadow. But it's playoff time and the Ducks have Giguere, which means he will be a stopper. Turco is no slouch, but Anaheim is a defensively stout team and that's how you win in the playoffs. Ducks in seven.